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San Francisco Trans March downplays harassment of LGBTQ Jewish politician Scott Wiener

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Organizers of the San Francisco Trans March downplayed the harassment of state Senator Scott Wiener, stating many working-class LGBTQ people feel he doesn't represent their interests.
  • The march's first direct comment on the incident, captured in a viral video, came after condemnation from Jewish and LGBTQ leaders.
  • Hecklers in the video referenced Israel and Gaza, with one saying Wiener

Organizers of the San Francisco Trans March have issued their first statement on the harassment of state Senator Scott Wiener during the event, downplaying the incident by saying "many working-class LGBTQ people" believe "he does not represent their interests."

He has made many choices throughout his political career that have led many working-class LGBTQ people to feel he does not represent their interests, and he hears about that everywhere he goes.

— San Francisco Trans March organizersIn their first statement on the harassment of Scott Wiener at the event.

The remarks, relayed to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, marked the organization's initial response after the confrontation, which was captured on viral video, drew widespread condemnation from Jewish and LGBTQ leaders. The incident has reignited concerns about Jewish inclusion within LGBTQ and left-wing spaces.

The march organizers stated they were "aware that some community members verbally confronted Scott Wiener about his policies in Dolores Park on Friday." They added, "Wiener is criticized by his constituents everywhere he goes in San Francisco." The statement did not specify which of Wiener's "choices" led to this sentiment.

Your policy on the genocide in Gaza is terrible. You do not belong here.

— Unidentified activistDuring the confrontation with Scott Wiener at the Trans March.

In the filmed encounter, many hecklers focused on Israel and Gaza. One activist told Wiener, "Your policy on the genocide in Gaza is terrible," and "You do not belong here." Another stated, "You stopped being queer the moment you started supporting Israel."

You stopped being queer the moment you started supporting Israel.

— Unidentified activistDuring the confrontation with Scott Wiener at the Trans March.

Wiener, who left the event due to the confrontation, later told CNN he believed he was targeted for being Jewish. His campaign reported a significant increase in donations following the video's release as he campaigns for former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's seat. Despite the controversy, Wiener has been a strong advocate for trans rights, passing legislation to support the trans community, a fact acknowledged even by the heckler.

I believed I was targeted for being Jewish.

— Scott WienerSpeaking to CNN after the incident.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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